This week we have been wrapping up our teaching on Islam. We are ending with a discussion on the Achievements during "Islam's Golden Age". It was during the golden age that many great accomplishments occurred, specifically geared around science, to be honest, this is what is fascinating about Islam, their respect for science and scientific discovery, which does not occur in Europe for several centuries. Muslim thinkers and scientists brought us many discoveries in algebra, astronomy, and medicine. These ideas spread like wildfire throughout the Islamic Empire of the Umayyad & Abbasid, thanks to the availability of books. These books ranged from scientific and medical treatises to great works of literature (1001 Arabian Nights), Poetry and Philosophy (the works of Aristotle). Due to the amount of texts on the market the prices were reasonable which then meant that information could be passed on to anyone who was interested, and could read, regardless of social class. This would become important as the crusaders began to hit the middle east and would bring back texts which would then enlighten Europe.